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Health Studies: A Unique Multidisciplinary Program

Welcome to the Health Studies Program at University College. This program takes a multidisciplinary approach, examining the myriad of factors which have an impact on the health of individuals and communities in a Canadian and global context.

Starting with the World Health Organization's definition of health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, the program offers a unique and rigorous examination of the social, biological, medical, political, economic, and ethical determinants of health.

Thus, while students will learn and discover the biological/medical basis of disease, particular emphasis will be the exploration of the social, economic, and political factors which give rise to susceptible Canadian and global populations.

Students will also come to understand the mechanisms or forces that drive health and health care policy, many of which are often contrary to the conclusions arrived at by academic investigations.

Voices

"I chose Health Studies because it offers a multidisciplinary perspective on health, from the political and economical side of health to the scientific side of health. The different perspectives on health have allowed me to put into context the flaws in our society's health care system, which graduates of Health Studies can change.
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Josephine Tong

Recent Graduate, Health Studies

"The Health Studies program provides a broad holistic view of health; we learn that health is determined by far more than the availability of health care. I would recommend this program because students receive a new understanding of the determinants of health and how these determinants influence the health of individuals, families, and communities."
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Miriam Uyanwune

Recent Graduate, Health Studies

"The Health Studies program allowed me the opportunity to learn about health from multiple perspectives and challenge conventional thought about what influences and affects health. It is through this program that I have developed the ability to critically analyze the determinants of health and investigate models for change.
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